Elektra Miliadou & Jörg Meder, viola da gamba
Sunday January 11, 12:00 p.m.
George Hadjinikos Hall, Horto, South Pelion
Admission: 10€
English music for two bass viols from the 16th and 17th centuries by Thomas Morley, Tobias Hume, Matthew Locke, John Jenkins
For almost half a century, the policies of Queen Elizabeth I led England to prosperity among the broader classes and thus indirectly and sustainably to the spread of culture and science for later generations. She established an extensive musical life at her court, in which important musicians participated.
Like the lute, the viola da gamba became one of the most popular instruments in England, so that numerous composers such as Thomas Morley, Tobias Hume, Matthew Locke, Henry Purcell and John Jenkins composed a variety of music for two- to seven-part violas da gamba. The excellent reputation of English viola da gamba players soon attracted the attention of the French court and the viola da gamba eventually rose to become the queen of instruments under the Sun King.
Elektra Miliadou (Thessaloniki), Jörg Meder (Leipzig/Hamburg-Germany) – Viola da gamba
The Greek musician Elektra Miliadou studied viola da gamba in England and also specialised in the medieval fiddle (vielle), which she also uses in world music and experimental projects, combining historical instruments and traditional sounds with modern interpretation. In collaboration with musicians such as Dimitris Kountouras and James Wylie, she recorded Ostium (2024) and En Route (2022).
Elektra Miliadou teaches viola da gamba in Thessaloniki and performs with various early and traditional music ensembles.
In addition to the viola da gamba Jörg Meder has also specialised in the violone and is a lecturer in 17th century violone/string bass at the Leipzig University of Music and Theatre.
With the United Continuo Ensemble, which he founded, he works in a wide variety of formations and realises innovative concert formats, music theatre and opera productions as well as interdisciplinary projects with experimental music, jazz and flamenco.
Since April 2025, his focus on project management and his interest in jazz have led him to the Hamburg University of Music and Theatre for study-expanding and interdisciplinary projects in the jazz programme.
